HINTS ON HAIR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VIII, 23 February 1895, Page 188

HINTS ON HAIR.

Falling of the hair is one of the most common troubles. The hair comes out sometimes in spots, but usually there is a general thinning out all over the head, the hair becoming dry and brittle, breaking off and splitting at the ends. This annoying ailment is almost always indicative of one or two things : either a lack of nourishment or else a hot, feverish condition of the scalp. The treatment then must depend on the general condition of your health. If you are in a weak, debilitated state, or if you are suffering from long-continued or severe nervous mental strain you must overcome these conditions before you can expect any improvement in your hair. Or, on the other hand, if you are in a plethoric state, full blooded, with feverish symptoms, with a sensation of heat in the head, dry, hot skin, etc., you must likewise correct this tendency before you can have healthy growing hair. In either case tone the system by tonics, good food and plenty of rest and sleep ; avoid hair restoratives, hair tonics, etc., and take flowers of sulphur in small doses (say a quarter of a teaspoonful twice a day in a little milk). Stimulate the roots of the hair by frequent and long-continued use of a soft brush ; clip off the split ends, and kept the scalp clean. There is nothing better for washing the head than tepid water and Castile soap, to which has been added a tablespoonful of alcohol, cologne or bay rum. In nearly every instance, thorough brushing will keep the hair soft, tractable and glossy, but if it is very stubborn and you think you must have a dressing I advise the use of either of the following as safe—the last one especially is clean and cool, and free from greasiness, being rSally a fluid neutral soap. It is the very best dressing for children’s hair that can be used. Remember that any hair dressing should be used sparingly and well brushed in. Take of castor oil four fluid ounces, alcohol two fluid ounces, add any perfume you like and shake well; or bay rum eight fluid ounces, glycerine two fluid ounces; or pure sweet oil six fluid ounces and lime-water two fluid ounces. Shake well every time it is used.